Sometime this world was so steadfast and stable, <br />That man's word was held obligation; <br />And now it is so false and deceivable, <br />That word and work, as in conclusion, <br />Be nothing one; for turned up so down <br />Is all this world, through meed and wilfulness, <br />That all is lost for lack of steadfastness. <br /> <br />What makes this world to be so variable, <br />But lust that folk have in dissension? <br />For now-a-days a man is held unable <br />But if he can, by some collusion, <br />Do his neighbour wrong or oppression. <br />What causeth this but wilful wretchedness, <br />That all is lost for lack of steadfastness? <br /> <br />Truth is put down, reason is holden fable; <br />Virtue hath now no domination; <br />Pity exil'd, no wight is merciable; <br />Through covetise is blent discretion; <br />The worlde hath made permutation <br />From right to wrong, from truth to fickleness, <br />That all is lost for lack of steadfastness. <br /> <br />L'Envoy. <br /> <br />O Prince! desire to be honourable; <br />Cherish thy folk, and hate extortion; <br />Suffer nothing that may be reprovable <br />To thine estate, done in thy region; <br />Show forth the sword of castigation; <br />Dread God, do law, love thorough worthiness, <br />And wed thy folk again to steadfastness.<br /><br />Geoffrey Chaucer<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-ballad-sent-to-king-richard/
